The arrival of Target is generating momentum at the local mall.

Jillian Creech, general manager at St. Albert Centre, said requests for leasing space are picking up.

“We expect that there is going to be a lot of change in the next 12 to 18 months,” she said. “So, yes, momentum is building.”

One of the new arrivals is Quarks shoe store. The Winnipeg-based company sells popular brands such as Clarks, Ecco and Ugg for both men and women.

Owner Dave Quark said the mall has about 10 or 12 ladies’ clothing stores and needed to add more shoes to the mix.

“They are all very excited about a shoe store coming there to add to the Payless (ShoeSource),” he said.

“We have a totally different market … but when ladies buy dresses they like to buy shoes at the same time.”

Co-owner Tom Quark said Quarks was contacted by Target and the companies plan to open on the same day.

At this point, Friday, May 3 is set as a tentative opening date. Target’s first Canadian store opened in Toronto on March 1.

Quarks move-in also marks a change in locations for Soap Stories.

The cosmetics kiosk has moved to a new location at the mall and doubled in space, said owner Tommy Elimelech.

They also added more bath and soap accessories to their product line.

Elimelech said he is looking to employ five more sales representatives to keep up with growing numbers of shoppers at the centre.

“The mall is starting to be a lot more busy with Target coming,” he said.

“So we need more people to work.”

Creech could not comment on what other brands may be moving into St. Albert Centre in coming months.

However, as the Gazette reported earlier this year, Sport Chek is expected to expand its space and re-open in the spring of 2014, following the closure of Sport Mart at 140 St. Albert Trail.

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